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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Experience Fiji from the water on an unforgettable school sea kayaking expedition through the remote Yasawa Islands. Over five days, students paddle between volcanic islands, white-sand beaches and sheltered turquoise lagoons, travelling at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to snorkel vibrant coral reefs and explore secluded bays. Nights are spent camping beside the beach beneath coconut palms, while a visit to the welcoming village of Navotua provides an authentic insight into traditional Fijian life and culture. Guided by experienced expedition leaders, students develop sea kayaking skills, teamwork and confidence while discovering one of the South Pacific's most spectacular marine environments. This human-powered adventure offers the perfect combination of outdoor challenge, tropical island living and meaningful cultural experiences.
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Starting Point:
Nadi
Activities:
Grading:Moderate
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Day 1
Arrive Nadi and trip briefing
After arriving in Fiji, we meet our World Expeditions Schools kayaking guides and transfer to our accommodation in Nadi. During an expedition briefing we learn about the week ahead, become familiar with our equipment and hear how tides, wind and weather will help shape our journey through the Yasawa Islands. If time permits, we can explore Nadi, a lively town known for its colourful markets and relaxed tropical atmosphere, before enjoying our first dinner together and getting excited for the adventure ahead. Accommodation: Nadi twin/multi share hotel
Meals: D
Day 2
Boat ride to Tavewa Island and begin sea kayaking in the Blue Lagoon
An early start takes us to Denarau Marina where we board the Yasawa Flyer for the 72 km (45 mi) cruise into the spectacular Yasawa Islands. This chain of volcanic islands is famous for its white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear lagoons. After transferring by small boat to Tavewa Island, we set up our beachside campsite, pack our expedition dry bags and learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking during an introductory paddle around the famous Blue Lagoon. Watching the sun set over the South Pacific while enjoying a tropical dinner on the beach is the perfect way to begin our island expedition. Accommodation: Tavewa Island camping
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Paddle to Matacawalevu Island, return to Tavewa Island (approx. 10km)
After a tropical island breakfast, we set out on our first full kayaking day, paddling approximately 15 km (9 mi) around neighbouring Matacawalevu Island and back. The route is mostly sheltered and provides a fantastic opportunity to build confidence while becoming comfortable in our kayaks. We weave through shallow turquoise lagoons, explore intricate sandbars and stop at some of the Yasawas' healthiest coral reefs for snorkelling among colourful tropical fish. If conditions allow, we may also visit the local primary school before returning to Tavewa Island for a relaxed evening and, weather permitting, a beach barbecue beneath the stars. Approximate paddling distance: 10 km Accommodation: Tavewa Island camping
Day 4
Kayak to Navotua Village and experience island community life
This morning we pack our camping gear into the kayaks before paddling approximately 15 km (9 mi) to Nacula Island. This is one of the more rewarding paddling days, with longer stretches on the water balanced by plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery and snorkel straight from the beach where fringing reefs meet the shoreline. On arrival at Navotua Village, we receive a warm Fijian welcome before exploring the community with local residents. We learn about daily village life, visit plantations, see traditional mat weaving and may even watch the construction of a traditional Fijian bure. Tonight we camp beside the village and enjoy the opportunity to experience authentic island hospitality. Approximate paddling distance: 15 km Accommodation: Navotua Village camping
Day 5
Paddle to Sawa-I-Lau and explore famous limestone caves
Today's shorter paddle of approximately 6–8 km (4–5 mi) allows plenty of time to explore one of the Yasawa Islands' most famous natural attractions. Towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the sea at Sawa-I-Lau, hiding a network of fascinating saltwater caves formed over thousands of years. After exploring this unique environment, we paddle back to Navotua Village where the afternoon is spent relaxing and enjoying traditional village entertainment. It is a wonderful opportunity to slow the pace, connect with the local community and appreciate the warmth and generosity for which Fiji is renowned. Accommodation: Navotua Village camping
Day 6
Paddle back to Tavewa through secluded bays and coral lagoons
Our final kayaking day covers approximately 15 km (9 mi) as we journey back towards Tavewa Island, exploring quiet bays, rocky headlands and palm-fringed beaches along the coastline of Nacula Island. By now our paddling skills and confidence have grown considerably, allowing us to enjoy the journey while taking in the spectacular island scenery. If conditions permit, we stop for one final snorkel over vibrant coral gardens before returning to camp. This evening we celebrate our expedition with a final tropical dinner together, reflecting on the friendships, challenges and unforgettable experiences shared throughout the week. Accommodation: Tavewa Island camping
Day 7
Farewell the Yasawas and return to Nadi for return flight
We enjoy a relaxed morning soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of Tavewa Island before packing camp and boarding the Yasawa Flyer back to the mainland. Cruising through the island chain one last time offers spectacular views of volcanic peaks rising from brilliant blue water, with seabirds often soaring overhead and flying fish occasionally skimming across the ocean's surface. Returning to Nadi, we reflect on an incredible week of sea kayaking, island camping, snorkelling and cultural experiences that few visitors to Fiji ever have the chance to enjoy.
Meals: B,L
Good Health And Well-being: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.
Quality Education: Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.
Life Below Water: Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.
Sustainable Cities And Communities: There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.
Partnerships For The Goals: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.The programs are designed to:• Build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet. • Increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.• Discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.• Give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.
What's included
What's not included
Per Person, Twin Share
Essentials include lightweight, quick-dry clothing, robust water shoes, and personal snorkelling gear. For daily needs, bring a small dry bag. We will provide all kayaking and safety equipment, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and first aid kits. Also included are watertight bags for your personal gear and camping equipment.
The ideal time to visit Fiji for kayaking is during the dry season from May to November, which offers milder temperatures and less rainfall. We schedule trips primarily within this window to ensure the best possible conditions for participants. The early and late parts of the season (May and October) often feature warmer temperatures and gentler breezes, making them particularly pleasant. For wildlife enthusiasts, the months of June through August are best for spotting manta rays, a highlight of the Yasawas’ marine life.
The Yasawas are a chain of 16 volcanic islands renowned for their stunning natural beauty, from pristine beaches to vibrant coral reefs. They provide the perfect setting for adventure, allowing paddlers to explore remote beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and interact with the warm and welcoming local communities. Our guides have been paddling these waters for over decades, drawing on our deep local connections and experience to offer unique and immersive guided kayaking adventures.
Days are full and invigorating. You’ll start with breakfast and a briefing before kayaking between islands, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or visiting local villages. Lunch is often on a secluded beach. Our Yasawa Islands Sea Kayaking - Fiji trip may involve 3-4 hours of paddling per day depending on the ability level of the group. Distances can be modified to suit the challenge level you're after.
The Yasawa Islands Sea Kayaking - Fiji trip trip accommodates beginners and those with some paddling experience, focusing on enjoying the serene environment at a leisurely pace. Everyone must complete a Kayak Experience form.
The marine environment here is rich with life; you may encounter manta rays, sea turtles and myriad tropical fish species. The islands themselves host diverse birdlife, bats and offer a mix of open grasslands, dry woodlands and tropical forest.
The trip provides immersive cultural experiences, allowing you to interact with local communities, participate in traditional kava ceremonies, and experience Fijian hospitality. All our trips are escorted by local guides and guests get to spend a night in a local village where they are treated to a traditional Meke and the chance to simply relax and interact with locals.
Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.
Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.
Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.
Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.
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Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.